Four people, one of whom was a police officer, died when five vehicles, including an unmarked police vehicle, collided at about 18:50 last night (June 21).
Transport Department provincial spokesperson Unathi Binqose said the accident happened on the N2 near the Kei Cuttings towards Butterworth.
The other vehicles involved in the accident, Binqose said, were a fully loaded minibus taxi, a sedan, and two other bakkies. All the occupants of the taxi escaped unscathed.
In a media statement issued by Police spokesperson Col. Priscilla Naidu, Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nomthetheleili Mene expressed her condolences to the family of the 39-year-old police officer who was on duty and was a member of the Provincial Organised Crime Investigation Unit.
Four people, aged between 28 and 68 years old, died. Two other persons, aged 59 and 60 years old, were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
“At this stage, the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash are under investigation. A case of culpable homicide and reckless and negligent driving has been opened,” said Col Naidu.
Police are still looking for the next of kin of a 28-year-old woman who was travelling from East London to Mthatha. SAPS Kei Bridge may be contacted on 043 831 2005/2033 or Crime Stop on 08600 10111 or the nearest police station.
